Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon: Race weekend guide 2025

The Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon is more than just a race—it’s a remembrance, a celebration of life, and a showcase of community spirit. Whether you're running, volunteering, cheering or tracking a loved one, here’s your go-to guide with all the essential information, including schedules, maps, parking tips, rules, and links to helpful resources.

🗓️ Race Weekend Schedule

All races begin and end near the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum.

Sunday, April 27:

1. Sunrise Service at the Survivor Tree: 5:30 a.m.
2. Wheelchair Division: 6:25 a.m.
3. Marathon, Half, and Memorial Relay: 6:30 a.m.
4. 5K: 7:30 a.m.

🗺️ Maps and Parking

✅ Download the official race maps PDF

🚗 Parking:

There are several privately owned lots near the Start/Finish Lines. Some offer free or discounted parking. Avoid residential areas or unauthorized lots to avoid being towed. 

Marathon organizers urge runners to arrive downtown by 5:15 a.m.

📺 Where to Watch Live

News 9 will be broadcasting live coverage of Race Weekend, including the start, finish, and race highlights all weekend long.

👉 Watch live at News9.com

📍 Best Places to Watch

Don’t miss a moment—here are some of the best cheering sections:

1. Bricktown: Great views of the crowded start.
2. Lincoln Terrace / Nichols Court Park: Historic neighborhood energy.
3. Sparrow Park / Edgemere Park: Scenic paths and easy viewing.
4. Crown Heights / Gorilla Hill / Irish Alley: Known for wild cheering and unique signs.
5. The Village / Waverly Ave: Wide-open neighborhood vibes.
6. Nichols Hills / Grand Blvd: Park and spectate before heading downtown.
7. Lakehurst: Newer route section with passionate fans.
8. Classen Blvd: Crucial 20-mile mark for marathoners.
9. 18th and Classen / Heritage Hills: Historic beauty and steady support.
10. The Finish Line: Join the crowds at Scissortail Park for the ultimate celebration.

Full spectator guide here: Where to Watch

💧 Water Stops, Medical & Relief Stations

1. Water & Powerade stations every mile, some with oranges, pretzels or snacks.
2. Medical stations every other mile starting at Mile 5, then every mile after Mile 19.
3. Port-o-potties every mile starting at Mile 2.
4. GU Energy Gels available at Mile 13.

🚫 What’s Not Allowed on the Course

Prohibited:

1. Backpacks, hydration vests, CamelBaks, rucksacks
2. Inflatable costumes
3. Bicycles, scooters, roller skates/blades
4. Strollers (except in Kids Marathon and 5K — must start at the back)
5. Animals (except ADA-approved service dogs with prior approval)

Allowed:

1. Running belts
2. Handheld or clip-on water bottles under 1 liter
3. Wheelchair athletes must wear helmets

👟 Registration, Bibs, and Timing

1. No Race Day Registration. If spots are available, you may register at the Health & Fitness Expo.
2. Confirm your registration here: Log in to Participant Account
3. Bib numbers are released in your final confirmation email the Thursday before Race Weekend.
4. Accurate timing uses Chronotrack chips (don’t fold or cover your bib!).
5. Open/Masters awards use gun time; age group and relay use chip time.

🌦️ Race Day Weather

Oklahoma weather can shift quickly. Be prepared for a variety of conditions, and check the forecast often. The race will proceed in rain but may be delayed or canceled only for dangerous weather.

Check recent forecasts here.

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Volunteer & Support Opportunities

Support the cause by donating or volunteering with the Memorial Marathon team:

1. Volunteer Opportunities
2. Donate to the Memorial Foundation
3. Create an official cheer section! 

📱 Official Race App

Stay connected with real-time tracking, course maps, results, and more.

👉 Download the Official Race App

🎉 Finish Line Festival

After the race, reunite with family and friends at the Finish Line Festival in Scissortail Park—food, music, and merch await.

🎽 Runner Perks & Swag

1. All participants receive a T-shirt and a hand-cast bronze finisher’s medal.
2. Adult participants receive a Digital Race Bag with deals and coupons.
3. Free samples often available at the Health & Fitness Expo.

🚧 Road Closures

With a track more than 26 miles long, there will be several road closures across Oklahoma City, Nichols Hills and The Village throughout race weekend.

Sunday morning closures:

1. The first mile of the course, beginning in front of the Oklahoma City National Memorial, will close at 4:30 a.m.
2. All other roads along the route will close by 7:15 a.m.
3. Roads will reopen in phases as runners pass through, with the earliest reopenings starting around 8:30 a.m.

Drivers are encouraged to plan ahead and avoid the course area on Sunday morning.